Franklin County, Georgia

County in Georgia, United States

Not to be confused with Franklin, Georgia.

County in Georgia

Franklin County

County

Franklin County Courthouse in Carnesville

Location within the U.S. state of Georgia

Georgia's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 34°22′N 83°14′W﻿ / ﻿34.37°N 83.23°W﻿ / 34.37; -83.23
Country|  United States
State|  Georgia
Founded| February 25, 1784; 241 years ago (1784)
Named after| Benjamin Franklin
Seat| Carnesville
Largest city| Lavonia
Area

• Total

| 266 sq mi (690 km2)
• Land| 261 sq mi (680 km2)
• Water| 5.0 sq mi (13 km2)  1.15%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 23,424

• Estimate

(2023)

| 24,782
• Density| 88/sq mi (34/km2)
Time zone| UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district| 9th
Website| www.franklincountyga.gov

Franklin County is a county in the Northeast region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,424.[1] The county seat is Carnesville.[2] On February 25, 1784, Franklin and Washington became Georgia's eighth and ninth counties,[3] with Franklin named in honor of patriot Benjamin Franklin.[4]

In its original form, Franklin County included all of the territory now in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Oconee, and Stephens counties, and parts of the modern-day Gwinnett, Hall, Hart, and Madison counties, as well as three counties that are now part of South Carolina. Franklin County has several miles of shoreline on Lake Hartwell.

## Economic development

[edit]

The Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, one of only seven created by a Georgia constitutional amendment,[5] actively seeks and recruits new industries to the county. The Authority consists of seven members: each of the five mayors from the cities within Franklin County, and two at-large members selected by the Board of Commissioners.[6]

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 266 square miles (690 km2), of which 261 square miles (680 km2) is land and 5.0 square miles (13 km2) (1.9%) is water.[7] The county is located in the Piedmont region of the state.

The majority of Franklin County is located in the Broad River sub-basin of the Savannah River basin, with just the northeastern corner, north of Lavonia, located in the Tugaloo River sub-basin of the same Savannah River basin.[8] Franklin County is also located on Lake Hartwell.

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Stephens County (north)
* Oconee County, South Carolina (northeast)
* Hart County (east)
* Elbert County (southeast)
* Madison County (south)
* Banks County (west)

## Education

[edit]

### Franklin County School system

[edit]

The Franklin County School District (Georgia) supports grades from kindergarten to grade twelve. The system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative school. The Franklin County School System has a staff of over 600 and an enrollment of 3570 as of 2020. The system boasts a 90.7% graduation rate.[9] FCSS is the largest employer in Franklin County.[10]

### Private schools

[edit]

* Shepherd's Hill Academy, a Christian private school for grades 7–12

### Colleges

[edit]

* Emmanuel University is a private, Christian, liberal arts college located in Franklin Springs. The college is a member of the NCAA Division II.

## Attractions

[edit]

* Lake Hartwell, a man-made lake covering 56,000 acres built for flood control and recreation.
* Tugaloo State Park which is a 393-acre state park on the lake featuring a beach, campsites, and several nature trails.
* Victoria Bryant State Park, a 502-acre state park featuring a large 18-hole golf course, a swimming area on the Broad River, campsites, and an archery range.
* Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge
* Ty Cobb museum in Royston, Georgia.

## Transportation

[edit]

### Major highways

[edit]

* Interstate 85
* U.S. Route 29
* State Route 8
* State Route 17
* State Route 17 Business
* State Route 51
* State Route 59
* State Route 63
* State Route 77 Connector
* State Route 106
* State Route 145
* State Route 174
* State Route 184
* State Route 198
* State Route 281
* State Route 320
* State Route 326
* State Route 327
* State Route 328
* State Route 403 (unsigned designation for I-85)

### Airports

[edit]

* Franklin County Airport (18A), featuring a 5,000-foot (1,500 m) runway and self-service 100LL and Jet A fuel.
* Broad River Air Park (3GE3), a private airport community featuring a 3,000-foot (910 m) runway parallel to Interstate 85.

## Infrastructure

[edit]

### Railroad

[edit]

The Hartwell Railroad operates freight service through the eastern portion of Franklin County throughout the Martin, Lavonia, Canon, and Royston areas on the former Norfolk Southern line from Toccoa to Elberton.[11]

### Utilities

[edit]

Electric service in Franklin County is provided by two customer-owned electric cooperatives, Hart EMC and Jackson EMC, as well as by Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company. Water utilities are provided by the cities of Lavonia, Martin, Royston, and Carnesville as well as by Franklin County in rural areas. Natural gas is supplied by the cities of Toccoa and Royston.

#### Hospital

[edit]

St. Mary's Healthcare System operates St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia which is the only hospital in Franklin County. The hospital features 56 inpatient beds, a 24/7 Emergency Department, a Critical Care Unit, 4 surgical suites, and an open to the public gym.[12]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1790| 1,041| | —
1800| 6,859| | 558.9%
1810| 10,815| | 57.7%
1820| 9,040| | −16.4%
1830| 10,107| | 11.8%
1840| 9,886| | −2.2%
1850| 11,513| | 16.5%
1860| 7,393| | −35.8%
1870| 7,893| | 6.8%
1880| 11,453| | 45.1%
1890| 14,670| | 28.1%
1900| 17,700| | 20.7%
1910| 17,894| | 1.1%
1920| 19,957| | 11.5%
1930| 15,902| | −20.3%
1940| 15,612| | −1.8%
1950| 14,446| | −7.5%
1960| 13,274| | −8.1%
1970| 12,784| | −3.7%
1980| 15,185| | 18.8%
1990| 16,650| | 9.6%
2000| 20,285| | 21.8%
2010| 22,084| | 8.9%
2020| 23,424| | 6.1%
2023 (est.)| 24,782| [13]| 5.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]
1790-1880[15] 1890-1910[16]
1920-1930[17] 1930-1940[18]
1940-1950[19] 1960-1980[20]
1980-2000[21] 2010[22]

### 2020 census

[edit]

Franklin County Racial Composition[23] Race  | Num.  | Perc.

|
|

White | 19,262  | 82.23%
Black or African American | 1,888  | 8.06%
Native American | 34  | 0.15%
Asian | 261  | 1.11%
Pacific Islander | 3  | 0.01%
Other/Mixed | 855  | 3.65%
Hispanic or Latino | 1,121  | 4.79%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 23,424 people, 8,460 households, and 6,123 families residing in the county.

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 22,084 people, 8,540 households, and 5,979 families living in the county.[24] The population density was 84.5 inhabitants per square mile (32.6/km2). There were 10,553 housing units at an average density of 40.4 units per square mile (15.6 units/km2).[25] The racial makeup of the county was 87.3% white, 8.4% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.9% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.9% of the population.[24] In terms of ancestry, 17.6% were American, 9.7% were Irish, 9.7% were English, and 8.0% were German.[26]

Of the 8,540 households, 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.0% were non-families, and 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00. The median age was 40.9 years.[24]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,739 and the median income for a family was $44,667. Males had a median income of $33,718 versus $28,713 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,276. About 14.3% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.[27]

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[28] of 2000, there were 20,285 people, 7,888 households, and 5,695 families living in the county. The population density was 77 people per square mile (30 people/km2). There were 9,303 housing units at an average density of 35 units per square mile (14 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.49% White, 8.83% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 0.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,888 households, out of which 31.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.20% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,134, and the median income for a family was $38,463. Males had a median income of $29,474 versus $21,051 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,767. About 11.00% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.80% of those under age 18 and 18.50% of those age 65 or over.

## Government

[edit]

Franklin County is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, whose members are elected from multi-member districts. They serve alternating four-year terms. The county has a county manager system of government, in which day-to-day operation of the county is handled by a manager appointed by the board. The chairman of the Board of Commissioners is elected by the citizens of the county.

## Communities

[edit]

### Cities

[edit]

* Canon
* Carnesville
* Franklin Springs
* Lavonia
* Royston

### Town

[edit]

* Martin

### Census-designated place

[edit]

* Gumlog

## Notable people

[edit]

* Ernest Vandiver \- Former Georgia Governor 1959–1963)
* FPS Russia, YouTube personality
* Ty Cobb, member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
* Dee Dowis, Air Force Academy quarterback, Heisman Trophy finalist, Air Force career rushing yard record holder
* Pauline Bray Fletcher, nurse and camp director
* Tony Jones, professional football player in the NFL
* Gary Walker, professional football player in the NFL
* Terry Kay, author
* Omer Clyde "O.C." Aderhold, former president of the University of Georgia during racial integration
* D. W. Brooks, farmer and businessman

## Politics

[edit]

United States presidential election results for Franklin County, Georgia[29] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No.  | % | No.  | % | No.  | %
2024 | 10,459  | 85.79% | 1,647  | 13.51%  | 85  | 0.70%
2020 | 9,069  | 84.23% | 1,593  | 14.80%  | 105  | 0.98%
2016 | 7,054  | 82.50% | 1,243  | 14.54%  | 253  | 2.96%
2012 | 6,114  | 78.62% | 1,499  | 19.27%  | 164  | 2.11%
2008 | 6,069  | 74.90% | 1,914  | 23.62%  | 120  | 1.48%
2004 | 5,218  | 69.43% | 2,245  | 29.87%  | 52  | 0.69%
2000 | 3,659  | 63.50% | 2,040  | 35.40%  | 63  | 1.09%
1996 | 2,364  | 43.79% | 2,338  | 43.30%  | 697  | 12.91%
1992 | 2,391  | 40.37%  | 2,505  | 42.29% | 1,027  | 17.34%
1988 | 2,615  | 58.57% | 1,842  | 41.25%  | 8  | 0.18%
1984 | 2,549  | 58.10% | 1,838  | 41.90%  | 0  | 0.00%
1980 | 1,387  | 27.96%  | 3,528  | 71.13% | 45  | 0.91%
1976 | 687  | 14.08%  | 4,192  | 85.92% | 0  | 0.00%
1972 | 2,022  | 82.30% | 435  | 17.70%  | 0  | 0.00%
1968 | 716  | 17.16%  | 766  | 18.36%  | 2,691  | 64.49%
1964 | 864  | 23.84%  | 2,758  | 76.10% | 2  | 0.06%
1960 | 308  | 8.76%  | 3,209  | 91.24% | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 253  | 7.85%  | 2,968  | 92.15% | 0  | 0.00%
1952 | 373  | 11.39%  | 2,902  | 88.61% | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 138  | 10.38%  | 1,036  | 77.95% | 155  | 11.66%
1944 | 328  | 19.24%  | 1,377  | 80.76% | 0  | 0.00%
1940 | 222  | 12.18%  | 1,579  | 86.66% | 21  | 1.15%
1936 | 238  | 12.73%  | 1,621  | 86.73% | 10  | 0.54%
1932 | 78  | 5.34%  | 1,361  | 93.16% | 22  | 1.51%
1928 | 801  | 50.99% | 770  | 49.01%  | 0  | 0.00%
1924 | 109  | 12.93%  | 618  | 73.31% | 116  | 13.76%
1920 | 447  | 33.46%  | 889  | 66.54% | 0  | 0.00%
1916 | 44  | 2.46%  | 1,540  | 86.03% | 206  | 11.51%
1912 | 26  | 2.47%  | 694  | 66.03% | 331  | 31.49%

## See also

[edit]

* State of Georgia portal

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Franklin County, Georgia
* Lake Hartwell
* List of counties in Georgia

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Franklin County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ "Franklin County : County Profile". Georgia State Government. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 131.
5. ^ "Directory of Registered Local Government Authorities". www.dca.state.ga.us. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
6. ^ "Franklin County Industrial Building Authority". Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
7. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
8. ^ "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
9. ^ "Georgia School Reports | Georgia School Reports". schoolgrades.georgia.gov. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
10. ^ www.franklin.k12.ga.us http://www.franklin.k12.ga.us/about/fcss. Retrieved July 12, 2020. `{{cite web}}`: Missing or empty `|title=` (help)[permanent dead link][title missing]
11. ^ "Hartwell Railroad Company".
12. ^ "St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital - Emergency | Lavonia, GA".
13. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
14. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". United States Census Bureau.
15. ^ "1880 Census Population by Counties 1790-1800" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
16. ^ "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
17. ^ "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930.
18. ^ "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
19. ^ "1950 Census of Population - Georgia -" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
20. ^ "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
21. ^ "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
22. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
23. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
24. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
25. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
26. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
27. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
28. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
29. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

## External links

[edit]

* Franklin County historical marker
* Hebron Presbyterian Church historical marker
* Poplar Springs Methodist Camp Ground historical marker

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Franklin County, Georgia

|  | Stephens County | Oconee County, South Carolina

|
|

|  |
Banks County |

Franklin County, Georgia

| Hart County
|  |
| Madison County |

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Franklin County, Georgia, United States

County seat: Carnesville

City|

* Canon‡
* Carnesville
* Franklin Springs
* Lavonia‡
* Royston‡

Map of Georgia highlighting Franklin County

Town|

* Martin‡

CDP|

* Gumlog

Unincorporated communities|

* Ashland
* Cromers
* Unity

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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34°22′N 83°14′W﻿ / ﻿34.37°N 83.23°W﻿ / 34.37; -83.23
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